Former Reds star explains exit

Former Liverpool star Joe Allen has explained his reason for leaving Anfield, saying he needed to be playing on a regular basis.

The 26-year-old struggled for first-team football under Jurgen Klopp and his predecessor Brendan Rodgers, who originally signed Allen from Swansea.

He showed in France whilst in action for Wales in the Euro 2016 finals what he can do and he has continued that form on for his country and for Stoke this season following a £13million transfer from Liverpool.

“I feel refreshed and really positive,” the Welshman told the Mirror. “I think it had come to the point where I knew I needed to move on. Personally, it was pretty obvious.

“Hopefully, I will get much more game time now and I think that is going to be really important for me in my international career as well.

“Any player will tell you regular football makes tonnes of difference to the way you perform and the way you feel out on the football pitch.

“It comes to a certain stage in your career where, if it’s not happening, then you have to go and seek it out.”